Schools nationwide are experiencing a rise in big feelings and challenging behaviors of students in the classroom. Teachers are feeling ill-prepared, unsure of how to support these feelings and behaviors in a classroom setting. For a student to feel supported, it starts with a sense of safety and feeling welcomed. Typically, when an individual is reacting with big feelings or challenging behaviors, their body is in defense mode, otherwise known as fight-flight-freeze or fawn mode. Support for children can be adjusted based on individual differences because not all individuals respond to the same strategies or support. This research-based presentation will offer examples of how to provide sensory, emotional, and social support to assist a student when they are feeling dysregulated.

Presenter:
Emma Cutler
Peachtree Presbyterian School